Thanksgiving in New York City

We arrived in New York, dropped our bags off at our hotel, and headed up to see Courtney's new apartment. We got to meet her roommate, Megan and then all of us went to Celeste's for dinner (Italian.) (I feel like I should keep track of these things because it's good to have restaurant ideas for New York.) (It was delicious, cozy and the owner was chatty. Quintessential New York. Or Italian. Or both.)

After dinner we walked over to the Natural History Museum where they were blowing up balloons for the parade. Things are different now than they were 20 years ago when we went. We got to 81st and Central Park West, but they sent us to 70th and Columbus to get in line. First red flag.

It was raining, so the line wasn't too long... until we got to Central Park West. Then it was a jam-packed wind-your-way-through-barriers Disneyland-style gate set-up. And from what we could see as we passed the park on our way to get in line, there were only 5 of 6 balloons set up. 

The kids were wanting to bail long before, but Dan and I stood united. Until I saw this mash of people as wide as the street and 10 blocks long. No way.

Dan was disappointed but he survived. 

We went to see "The Crimes of Gindelwald" instead. Good, but confusing.

It was freezing cold in New York! Good thing we were all bundled in hats, scarves, coats, boots, wool socks and long johns!

We got back to our hotel and had 30 minutes to shop at Whole Foods for snacks for the Thanksgiving day parade. And then because it was only 11:00 p.m., we all snuggled in mine and Dan's bed and watched the movie Crazy, Rich Asians.

At 9:00 everyone came to our room to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Courtney's friends Carine, Stephanie and Megan joined us too.

The hotel ballroom was hosting a viewing party with brunch and games for children. 

The view from our room wasn't as crowded so we didn't stay long, but it was festive!

Dan and I bundled up and went to the street to watch up close! 

Very, very, very cold!

Post parade, our guests went home and we napped and watched Uncle Drew (at Nicholas' request).

The kids ran out and brought home pizza for all of us and we also did some online shopping looking for coats and ski pants for the boys.

But at 4:30, we gathered again for the strongest Shaeffer family tradition. 

Passed down from generation to generation.

Dallas Cowboys Football. Dallas got the win!

Courtney had made us reservations for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (family-style) at Carmine's.

18 lb turkey with potatoes, yams, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie for dessert.

The restaurant was bustling with Christmas music playing. 

Lots and lots of leftovers for Courtney and Megan to take home.

Roomies: Courtney & Megan

After dinner we went to Creed 2 (Christopher's request). How many movies was this already? Courtney had never seen Rocky, but she was game in spite of the boxing theme. We assured her it had a lot of heart. And a very catchy theme song. We all loved it! It's been a memorable family day!